Aiya walked into the conference room as bold and lively as a lioness stalking through her hunting grounds.

Errend's breath stuck in his throat. He had expected this. He had seen some of the changes starting to take place before Marvin had rushed into the room and forced everyone else to leave as he tended to his sister.

Errend was just grateful the light bursting from Aiya's limbs and face had retreated to a dim glow as she had settled back on the bed, the kinetic energy surrounding her body finally dissipating before Marvin and Derek had arrived.

If Marvin had witnessed the light show, Errend probably would have had to restrain one man and knock the other out to stop them from trying to kill him. They were irrational and seemed to think Errend was responsible somehow.

Was he? How long would it have taken the Rakshasa to arrive had they not opened the wormhole?

He could dwell on that another time. Errend couldn't change the past, and regretting something unintended and unpredictable was a waste of energy.

"Earnest, you look terrible, man. Have you not slept or eaten since we got here?"

Aiya's voice snapped Errend from his thoughts with a jolt. Doing his best to keep his thoughts from his face, he focused on Aiya's now permanently glowing eyes, - ice-blue glowing eyes.

Those eyes pierced him to his soul, and for the first time in his life, he found himself truly afraid of being seen. This woman would be able to see all his secrets, fears, concerns, hopes and worst of all, desires. Desires he couldn't afford to have.

Clearing his throat, he provided a half-truth.

"I have been trying to think of a way to get Inta and Sardini out of this place. I did a little recon while everyone was sleeping."

He refused to confess that for the first twenty hours of her change, he had paced Inta's small sitting room relentlessly. Had been unable to eat or drink and had avoided all the meetings and downtime Aiya's team had participated in.

Marvin had told Derek to tell everyone that Aiya was just a little burnt out and needed some extra rest while they made plans with the doctors. No one seemed to mind, especially when it was discovered that the place had a pool next to the vast gym full of workout equipment.

Derek and a few of the team's drivers, who always helped make decisions, met with the Doctors twice.

Marvin only went to one meeting at Derek's insistence due to Marvin needing to decide on materials and supplies required to help modify the current underground transportation vehicle the scientists and their engineers had been building.

It had been wisely decided that weapons and shields needed to be added. Beyond the already existing safety measure for heat and pressure that would build the further, they went down.

Unfortunately, the doctors were still being evasive about the portal, and it just served to solidify Errend's suspicions that they knew more than they were saying.

Now they were all here waiting for the doctors to arrive and the rest of Aiya's team. Aiya had met with a few of them already, allowing them to get used to her new, sparkling blue self, hoping that they could help prepare the others. She hadn't wanted to shock everyone.

As for the doctor's they were going to find out today. Errend's gut twisted at the thought. What would they do to her? And could they do anything with her here in this room surrounded by her team? Would her team have her back now that she was... Well, different?

Errend suddenly realized he was still staring into Aiya's eyes as she appeared to examine his soul from the inside out.

A small smile graced her now almost purple lips. Errend felt his breath catch again. She was stunning.

Her olive skin had a slight blue shimmer to it like she had been dipped into blue glitter. Her brown hair had streaks of dark blue so deep in colour it shined purple. The changes seemed slight but shocking at the same time.

Her skins texture was different too.

Errend knew this because he'd helped Inta get her comfortable after Aiya had finally settled back down from the worst of the change. Her skin felt hard and smooth as glass peven though it still flexed like normal skin.

Errend wondered if it was like diamond armour some of the Rakshasa monsters grew on their carapaces. It would explain the shimmer, especially when the light struck her skin just right.

And those glowing eyes. They would haunt his dreams for the rest of his life. He wasn't sure that was a bad thing, though.

She smelled different too. Like she was a fresh stream full of natural minerals and damp earth.

"Earnest, don't look so worried. You met the worst humans first. Most of us just want to survive and be happy. And I have faith in my team." Aiya winked at him. She had a new fire in her. Like someone had charged her batteries.

Errend couldn't stop his replying smile.

"Ok, Aiya."

"And don't worry. I have a plan. We aren't going anywhere without Inta and Sardini. You have my word." Aiya's voice was steel and caused an involuntary shiver to run through him.

There were definitely more changes to her than what met the eye. The tightness that was clenched around Errend's heart eased at her words. It wasn't just a promise; it was a warning to anyone who tried to stop this woman from doing what was right.

Errend gave Aiya a nod acknowledging not only her words but the deeper meaning behind them. He didn't know how she would do it, but he knew she would.

"Holy fuck!"

Suddenly the rest of the team came pushing through the door. Everyone trying to see Aiya all at once.

Aiya just gave a small chuckle at everyone's open mouths and exclamations. She didn't seem too worried, and Errend admired that. Was she generally this confident, or was it an act?

Smiling wide, Aiya raised her arms to either side and twirled in place so everyone could get a good look at her.

Betty had been the one to curse first, and she was also the first to give Aiya a big hug and slap on the back. Then she punched Aiya in the arm hard and laughed out loud.

"You bitch! Marvin said you were just resting. Then we all find out you almost died while changing into a fucking true blue superhero!" Betty shook her head, smiling. "Damn girl, you look freaking awesome. And punching you bloody hurt like a bastard!"

Aiya shrugged, still wearing a half-smile.

"Sorry. I didn't really get a say."

Tony shook his head, not believing what he saw.

Petra hooted and exclaimed, "Damn right. Watch out, monsters, our superbitch is gonna get you now."

Eric and his wife had already seen Aiya earlier, along with Chris and simply found seats while smiling at everyone's reactions.

Errend watched, a little confused as the others came in. No one seemed upset or appalled at Aiya's transformation, which left Errend stunned.

Humans had such capacity for cruelty towards each other. Always willing to judge, condemn and practice prejudices without any real cause.

Yet here, now, watching this close-knit group of survivors continue to show support and loyalty to the woman who led them showed Errend a side of humans he had to admit he admired.

If it had been his people in this situation, they would have cast Aiya out, exiled her to the borders of the barren lands. Regardless of former ties or commitments.

He had seen wives throw out husbands, husbands exile wives, families release their children to the town council members and much worse.

These people had something his did not. Or maybe they just hadn't lost it yet? They hadn't suffered for generations at the hands of the Rakshasa, become beaten down and broken in ways that could never be repaired.

As Errend continued to watch the team hug Aiya and compliment her changes, tease her about her superpowers, and comment on the relief they felt at her being in good health; he knew beyond a doubt that he had to find a way to stop the Rakshasa armies and their masters from coming to this planet. No matter the cost.

Humans deserved a chance to build again. To make a better world for themselves. Errend would make sure they got it.

Suddenly a sound that made Errend's heart stop in his chest broke through the laughter and happy comments.

"What in de 'eavens happened to you, woman?" Dr. Walsh's heavy Irish accent pierced the room's noise, causing it to suddenly go deathly silent.

Aiya's face went deadly still, a calm overcoming her form like a cat pretending to be indifferent to its prey as it carefully watched every single detail.

"Morning, doctors." Aiya's voice was light and almost carried a note of amusement. It made Errend groan. If she challenged them, could the doctor's male pride allow them to leave her alone?